Is it possible to change the filter adapter from a different year engine ? I have a 98 xj that I just bought and I went to change the oil and the filter (wix #51085) didn't fit . I crossed the # of the old one and It came up as a wix #51626 which fits the early 4.0 also the filter is vertical like the early motor . Or should I check the casting #s to see if the block has been changed ?

 

I have a 94 block in my 98 and it's all the same

What size filter came off of it?

 

A Purolator L14619 it has the 20mm thrds instead of the 3/4 thrd that should have fit

 

Hmmm, I looked it up here and it says your WIX is a replacement?

http://www.oilfilter-crossreference....rolator/L14619

 

Yes the wix 51626 is what fits the motor, but by application it should have been a 51085 for the 1998

 

The question is could someone have changed the adapter or could i have a different year block in my cherokee ?

 

ooops, sorry just noticed in your original post that you crassed referenced the #, my bad.

Then definately, yes, check your casting numbers. So far I've had zero dicrepancy with mine being 4 years off. Other than some internal changes, the block itself is pretty much unchanged from it's debut in the 60's AMC's.

As for the adapter itself, I think the Wranglers use an a adapter that points horizontal due to clearance issues is the only difference I know.